James met Amy at Mike's Courtside Bar in New Brunswick, NJ after Amy was doing her civic duty as a juror for a week long case.... it was a big duty. After a little get to know you, they went to dinner at Harvest Moon Brewery, where they split a flight of beer... which may have been the last time Amy had beer. According to Amy, the happy couple met online via Match.com (Thanks for the wink, James). After a couple of weeks of talking online, they met in person at Mike's Courtside Bar.

It was almost an entire month between James and Amy's 2nd and 3rd date? After their second date, Amy headed to the west coast for a getaway with her sister for two weeks after their second date. The day before she came back, James left for a business trip to the Netherlands where he presented his research at an international conference. However, the two kept talking during that time, and 24 days later after their trips were completed, they had their 3rd date!

One thing James had said through the years is that he would never propose on a holiday or a vacation, for it was too cliche and expected. Flash forward to December 31st, 2018, New Years Eve. Amy & James had casual plans to hang out with the Sibs (Mike and Rebekah), and thanks to Mike's effort, Tom and Samantha (Amy's BFF). That morning James asked Amy, "Do you think we can borrow a cooler from your parents? This way we can keep the champagne cold outside, and Ozzy (the Sibs' energetic pup) wouldn't be able to get them." You see, James didn't really need a cooler. He already had the ring and was looking for a way to get to the Topo house to get Jac's approval. As James arrived at the house, he saw the coolers had already been taken out of storage. After 30 minutes of small talk, he was able to get Jac alone, showed him the ring, asked for and received his permission! He also told him that we didn't really need the cooler, it was all part of the plan.... Cut to later that night... As James & Amy drove through the pouring rain to the Sibs, their song (Running Out of Moonlight) came on the radio. It was a very fortuitous moment to happen on their short drive. As they parked the car, Amy noticed a figure in the shadows and just assumed it's Mike walking Ozzy. As they exited the car and headed toward the house, James stepped off the curb, stopping Amy in front of the car's headlights. Amy observantly stated, "James! You just stepped into a puddle!" As the rain continued to fall, James told Amy that he loved her. Then he pulled out the ring, dropped down to one knee (in the pouring rain), and asked if she would be his wife. Amy's response... "OH my God! No NO NO No No NO!" She quickly changed her tune and finally said, "Yes!" She followed it up with, "Did you bring an extra pair of pants?"

After a successful proposal, the shadowy figure emerged with the picture you see on the top of this page, captured by Mike. After the moment was captured by the Sibs, it was time to start spreading the word. Amy Face-Timed with her sister and told her to find a quiet place in the house. Within 5 minutes of finding out, Rachel changed her New Year's Eve plans, found a party store that was still open, bought balloons, and met everyone at the restaurant for dinner. After Rachel arrived at the restaurant, Samantha was right around the corner. We quickly hid the balloons and upon Samantha's arrival, Amy excitedly showed Samantha her left hand. The "fellowship of the ring" then sat down and enjoyed some sushi, one of Amy's favorite meals. We were so close to the Toporek house, so after dinner we headed there to tell Viv Top the big news. Upon arriving at the Topo house, Amy and James stated they were dropping by to bring back the cooler they "desperately" needed this morning. They opened the cooler and out floats one of Rachel's balloons saying, "Congrats on your Engagement!" Excited screams filled the house and Jac's 13 hour secret could finally be told! The newly engaged couple returned to the Sibs' house to watch the ball drop, with hopes of what the new year could bring.